07/02/2025
A Marion woman has been convicted of Medicaid fraud and other charges after prosecutors say she defrauded the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services of nearly $50,000.
Karen Michelle Brooks, 56, had been employed as a patient care technician for a disabled adult at the time the offenses took place.
According to a release from the Smyth County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Brooks inflated the number of days and hours she worked, as well as accessed a co-workers account to claim time that she did not work. Those actions, the release said, resulted in thousands of dollars in fraudulent payments being made that were intended for the care of vulnerable individuals.
“This case represents a disturbing betrayal of trust and a deliberate exploitation of a vulnerable adult for personal gain,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Phillip “Bucky” Blevins. “My office takes this kind of abuse extremely seriously. We will continue to fight for justice on behalf of those who cannot always fight for themselves.”
On Wednesday, Brooks was convicted of Medicaid fraud, obtaining money by false pretenses and misdemeanor charges of identity theft and computer fraud.
A circuit court judge imposed a sentence of 22 years in prison, but in accordance with Virginia’s sentencing guidelines, the entire incarceration period was suspended due to Brooks’ lack of a criminal history.
As part of her sentence, Brooks has been ordered to repay $47,809.81 to the Department of Medical Assistance Services and has been permanently barred from participating in Medicare of Medicaid healthcare programs.
Blevins extended his appreciation to the Office of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for their work in investigating the case.
Attorney General Jason Miyares lauded his office’s work, saying, “I’m grateful to my office’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and to the Smyth County Commonwealth’s Attorney Blevins for standing up for those too often exploited for selfish gain. If you think you can steal from Virginia’s taxpayers or abuse vulnerable Virginians for your own profit, think again. We will hold you accountable.”
Blevins added, “Our office is committed to working hand-in-hand with law enforcement partners across the Commonwealth to protect the integrity of public health programs and to ensure that vulnerable adults are never used as a means for theft or fraud.”
